Every four years we add one day to the books to make up for a slight difference between the orbit of the planet and the Gregorian calendar. A complete revolution of the earth around the sun takes exactly 365.2422 days but our calendar is based on 365 days so this adjustment is necessary to synchronize the four seasons. It’s always been interesting to me that we can bend the rules like this but understanding a little more about why helps to make sense of it.

2016 is a Leap Year which means we all get a bonus day! Unfortunately February 29th is a Monday so most of us have an extra day of work but maybe you have special plans to celebrate these bonus 24 hours. If you don’t have any ideas yet, here are a few to consider:

Have a birthday party - If you were born on February 29th you are a “leapling” or "leaper" and, sadly, you only have a real birthday every four years. Typically leaplings/leapers celebrate on either February 28th or March 1st but this is your year so make it count and throw a big bash. Some cultures believe those born in a Leap Year have good luck so maybe you should buy a lotto ticket.

Propose - In the United States, February 29th is often referred to as “Sadie Hawkins Day” and celebrates gender role reversal. This is certainly more commonplace in the 21st Century but Leap Years are officially known as an opportunity for a woman to propose to a man. According to some accounts, this tradition dates back to the 5th Century when St. Patrick granted women the chance to “pop” the question themselves. Others say this started in 1288 when Queen Margaret of Scotland issued a law that makes it legal for a woman to propose to a man on Leap Day. Another opinion suggests that before Leap Day was recognized by English law, this day had no legal standing and therefore it was acceptable to break convention.

Do something you’ve been putting off - We’re all guilty of procrastination and some of us are expert excuse-makers. February 29th is the bonus day we all get to tackle the things in the “I’ll do that later…” or “If I had the time I would…” category. It’s not too late to plan a trip, volunteer, organize the garage, call an old friend, finish a book, etc. The list goes on and on and this year there is no excuse not to do any one of those things or maybe even all of them. Of course if you decide to organize the garage, Nite Ize can help with Gear Tie Dockables or KnotBone Adjustable Bungees…

Our team will spend the extra day doing what we do best – innovating new and useful products just for you. No matter how you decide to make the most of this Leap Year – we hope you stay safe and healthy.

Thoughts on Innovation, the Nite Ize way.

We have over 400 innovative problem/solution based products that appeal to anyone who has ever faced a daily frustration and found that perfect product to solve their problem. Whether you are into the latest tech products, love to walk your dog, enjoy hunting & fishing, biking with your family, or just love a helpful gadget, we hope that you will find a Nite Ize product that makes your life easier, safer and more fun – night and day! We love to share stories & ideas with our friends and customers. Enjoy!